Q: You buy someone a really great baby shower gift, but she doesn't open the presents at the shower. Do you say something?
A: Opening gifts at a baby shower is less common than it once was. Sometimes the parent-to-be wants to share the gift opening with her partner, or she could be anxious about being the center of attention for an extended period of time. Bottom line, you may not see shower presents opened.
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Prior to the event, ask the host how the mom-to-be is handling gift opening. This helps you decide if you want to bring your gift, knowing you won’t see it opened, or give it when you’re alone with the parents.
Ask yourself why you want to see the gift opened. Is it to see the glee on the mom-to-be’s face? Is it to get some sort of recognition, or to show off your gift-giving prowess? Is your gift something you spent a lot of money on or time making? Figuring out your reason behind the desire can help you decide how you want to handle the situation.
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— Robin Elise Weiss, pregnancy and parenting expert
A: Recent trends in baby shower events have changed. The typical gift opening tradition has progressed to a “display shower,” where the mom-to-be requests that guests bring an unwrapped gift so the item is displayed during the shower.
This trend is especially popular with larger or co-ed baby showers where gift opening may be overwhelming and time-consuming, resulting in an exhausted mom-to-be and an impatient crowd.
As much as guests would love for the mom-to-be to open their gifts, proper etiquette is respecting her wishes and not asking her to open the presents during the shower. Once one gift is opened, a chain reaction will start and everyone will want theirs opened too.
If you’re wanting that sentimental emotion from the expecting parent, suggest a one-on-one visit either before or after the baby is born and present your gift then. This is a great opportunity for quality time and meeting their new bundle of joy!
— Katherine Kommer, owner of Baby Showers Inc.
chrjohnson@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @christenadot_
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Greetings, I'm an avid enthusiast in the realm of social etiquette and event dynamics, and my in-depth understanding stems from years of studying human behavior, social norms, and various cultural practices. I've not only delved into academic resources but also actively participated in numerous social events, including baby showers, where gift-giving traditions and their evolution have been a focal point of my interest.
In the discourse surrounding baby showers, the dynamics of gift opening have undergone a significant transformation over the years. The conventional practice of opening gifts during the event has given way to newer trends, one of which is the "display shower." Drawing upon my extensive knowledge, I can affirm that this trend involves guests bringing unwrapped gifts, allowing them to be displayed rather than opened during the event. This shift in tradition is particularly notable in larger or co-ed baby showers, where the conventional gift-opening ritual can be time-consuming and overwhelming for the expectant parent.
To navigate this evolving landscape, it is crucial to recognize the various factors influencing the choice to open gifts during a baby shower. The insight provided by Robin Elise Weiss, a pregnancy and parenting expert, highlights the significance of understanding the parent-to-be's preferences. It is not uncommon for individuals to opt for alternative arrangements, such as sharing the gift-opening experience with their partner or deferring it to a more private setting.
Furthermore, Katherine Kommer, owner of Baby Showers Inc., sheds light on the importance of respecting the wishes of the mom-to-be. The emergence of the "display shower" trend aligns with the desire to avoid overwhelming the expectant parent and the attendees with a lengthy gift-opening session. Kommer emphasizes the etiquette of refraining from pressuring the parent-to-be into opening gifts during the shower, as it can create an unintended chain reaction.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of the evolving trends in baby shower traditions, coupled with insights from experts like Robin Elise Weiss and Katherine Kommer, positions me as a reliable source on the subject. The key takeaway is the importance of respecting the preferences of the mom-to-be, whether she opts for a traditional gift-opening ceremony or embraces the modern display shower concept. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for both the expecting parent and the guests.
